Nicki Minaj and 2 Chainz have bonded over exotic dancers. Whether in Nick's pole-dancing "Beez in the Trap" video or Deuce's "I Luv Dem Strippers," the rapping pair have displayed quite the chemistry.

But maybe their next track should be called "Make Me Proud" or something along those lines. Before her August 14 performance in New York, the YMCMB Barb took time to reflection on her friend's recent success.

"He was the same exact 2 Chainz three or four years ago when I met him," she told MTV News. "Nobody knew who I was at the time, but he showed me love, he just treated me with respect, and I always remembered that."

On Wednesday, Chainz's Based on a T.R.U. Story snagged the #1 spot on Billboard's albums chart. It's been a wild ride for 2 Chainz, who first emerged as Tity Boi, one-half of the Atlanta rap duo Playaz Circle. The group found some success, especially with their 2007 Lil Wayne-assisted single "Duffle Bag Boy."

"Nicki is out there, and she's definitely more than a rap artist," 2 Chainz said of his friend when he appeared on the August 15 episode of"RapFix Live." "I learned that going on tour with her. She's definitely a lady. She demands respect when she hits the room, but she crazy as hell. I mean, who didn't know that?"

Nicki believes her buddy was destined for success. "When God says it's time, it's time. He sat around for a very long time, and it's like, you can't tell him nothing, and you can't stop what God ordained, and I'm really, really excited for him," she said. "I love when people get a second chance, and he's the true meaning of capitalizing on a second chance and making it work and winning."

During the past year, 2 Chainz has been lighting it up on the mixtape scene and making some pretty key guest features, most notably with Kanye West on G.O.O.D. Music's "Mercy" and Nicki's "Beez in the Trap."

"I loved for one of his first mainstream looks to be on my album, because he deserves it. He worked hard, more importantly he wasn't cocky then, he's not cocky now," Nicki said of why she wanted Deuce on her sophomore album,. Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. "He's a stand-up dude. He came on my tour, on time every single day, gentleman, true, true class act."

What do you think of Nicki Minaj and 2 Chainz's chemistry? Let us know in the comments!